Brandeis Student Felt 'Scared and Helpless' as Earthquake Shattered Her Hometown of Nepal

Alina Pokhrel was at her current “home” in Waltham two weeks ago when she started to receive an unusual amount of text messages. They were asking Pokhrel, who attends Brandeis University, if her family in her native Nepal were OK after the earthquake cracked through Katmandu.

The student, who is majoring in anthropology and environmental studies, told a Brandeis reporter, “I felt helpless, being so far away, but, thankfully, my family and friends in Katmandu have been accounted for. We have some property damage, but it pales in comparison to what others have suffered. My heart hurts for the people of Katmandu.”

Pokhrel is now focused on helping her homeland while in the states, and organized a prayer service and candlelight vigil at Brandeis. She’s also helping to raise funds for relief.

Read the full story here on the Brandeis University site.

Photo via YouTube/Brandeis University

Below, Pokhrel gives tips on how to give to the Nepal effort wisely.